Philadelphia, PA – After five days of an intense manhunt, 17-year-old murder suspect Shane Pryor has been captured by the U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia. Pryor had escaped from custody at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia on Wednesday, January 24, and was apprehended late Sunday afternoon.
According to authorities, Pryor was uncuffed and accompanied by two prison staff members when he managed to exit a vehicle in the Emergency Room parking lot and flee the scene. Surveillance footage revealed that he escaped the hospital premises and roamed from building to building, easily entering public entrances and even engaging with people, requesting the use of a phone.
Pryor had approached a front desk receptionist at one of the buildings, but when denied access to a phone, he promptly left the premises. His escape prompted a city-wide search, and on Friday, an 18-year-old alleged accomplice, Michael Diggs, was arrested by the Philadelphia Police for aiding Pryor’s escape.
Diggs now faces charges that include Hindering Apprehension, Escape, and Criminal Conspiracy. The U.S. Marshals Service, along with local law enforcement, continued their pursuit of Pryor, leading to his capture near 3rd Street and Roosevelt Boulevard.
Pryor had been incarcerated since the age of 14, facing charges related to the murder of 54-year-old Tanya Harris in Northeast Philly on October 10, 2020. Despite his capture, he still awaits trial in that case. Authorities had deemed him as “dangerous,” and his escape had raised concerns among the community.
The successful apprehension of Pryor brings relief to the Philadelphia community and highlights the effectiveness of law enforcement cooperation in ensuring public safety. The U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia will continue its investigation into the circumstances surrounding Pryor’s escape, ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
